Shilpa Bakre

As a first-generation Indian American, I intrinsically and empathetically know the meaning of “humble beginnings." I am a crisis, issues & reputation management expert and a seasoned communications & marketing leader. I am driven by authenticity, and integrity and enjoy creative, collaborative, collective problem-solving. I pride myself on continually developing my intelligence quotient (IQ) and emotional intelligence (EQ), particularly the latter as we all strive to create equity in the workplace and beyond.

Currently, I serve as the Director of Communications for Texas State University. My tenure in higher education enables me to gain insight into the inner workings of large, complex organizations with varying communications complexities.

My overall career in communications and public affairs has afforded me exceptional opportunities: beginning my career as the Director of Media & Public Relations for a top-five U.S. Olympic sport at the age of 23; being hired as the first communications director for Communities in Schools; cultivating marketing and public relations endeavors for a prominent downtown Austin contemporary art museum; managing elaborate communications efforts for four consecutive Olympic Games (the culmination of these efforts was winning an Emmy for my role as an associate producer/writer for NBC); and serving as a lead spokesperson in every role all along the way.

I am a two-time UT Austin graduate earning my bachelor’s degree in Journalism and my master’s degree in Public Affairs from the LBJ School. In addition to English, I speak Spanish, Marathi, and Hindi.